Atmospheric greenhouse gas removal

ABSTRACT

A material (such as potassium hydroxide or ammonia) capable of reacting with ambient carbon dioxide to produce fertilizer is placed in the path of ambient air movement. Desirably the material is associated with a fabric which in turn is associated with a vane of a vertical axis wind turbine, the turbine performing useful work as well as supporting the material which produces a fertilizer. A misting system controlled by a controller may automatically apply a water mist to the material if the humidity is below a predetermined level. The fabric with produced nitrogen and/or potassium fertilizer may be placed directly into contact with soil, or shredded first, or burned to produce energy and an ash (and the ash applied to the soil). The wind turbine may have a convenient, versatile mounting system with three adjustable legs supporting a central component, and the spokes of the wind turbine may be slotted for easy assembly with vanes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional applicationSer. No. 61/215,612 filed May 7, 2009, Ser. No. 61/274,006 filed Aug.13, 2009, and Ser. No. 61/279,311 filed Oct. 19, 2009.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been considered desirable for many years to be able toeffectively remove pollutants from the ambient atmosphere in a way suchthat they will not likely re-enter the environment, and with a minimumof energy input. The invention relates to a method and apparatus foraccomplishing that result which is particularly suitable for removingthe greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, establishing thecarbon dioxide as a component of a plant fertilizer, and using thefertilizer to treat plants.

The invention is particularly useful for sequestering the greenhouse gascarbon dioxide in a substantially permanent manner. At the same time,other useful work is performed according to the invention so that otherobjectives can also be met, such as generating electrical energy,pumping liquid, compressing gas, rotating a propeller, or other usefulwork, and producing fertilizer for application to plants.

According to the invention, it has been determined that potassiumcontaining compounds, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH), and nitrogencontaining compounds, such as ammonia (NH₃), can be successfully used atambient temperature and pressure to produce fertilizers by reacting withcarbon dioxide in the ambient environment, especially when sufficientmoisture is present. The fertilizers produced can be applied directly toland areas where plant growth is desirable, and most of the carbondioxide will either be taken up by the plants, or sequesteredsubstantially permanently in the soil, especially if the soil hassufficient amounts of calcium and magnesium. [The term “soil” as usedherein means any conventional plant growing media]. Some reactions(which are all possible at ambient conditions, even though they might beenhanced at high temperature and/or pressure conditions) thatdemonstrate these possibilities are:

For potassium:

2 KOH+CO₂→K₂CO₃+H₂O [e. g. see U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,655]; and

CO₂+K₂CO₃+H₂O→2 KHCO₃ [e. g. see U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,910];

or one can start with potassium superoxide (KO₂) and the initialreaction will be

4 KO₂+2 H₂O→4KOH+O₂

For nitrogen:

NH₃+CO₂+H₂O→NH₄HCO₃ [e. g. see U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,437]

K₂CO₃ is potassium carbonate and KHCO₃ is potassium bicarbonate, andboth are known potassium fertilizers that do not have salt buildup (assometimes occurs when KCl is used as a fertilizer). NH₄HCO₃ is ammoniumbicarbonate, and is a common desirable nitrogen fertilizer. None ofthese are known to have any significant adverse environmental impact.

In order to practice the invention, preferably a potassium containingcompound that will react with CO₂ (e. g. potassium hydroxide, potassiumcarbonate, or potassium superoxide), and/or a nitrogen containingcompound that will react with CO₂ (e.g. ammonia), are applied to a vanesurface of a wind turbine rotor or the like. One desirable way this isdone is by applying KOH or ammonia to fabric, which in turn is mountedon, or consists essentially of, a vane of a vertical axis wind turbine(VAWT). The invention also relates to using such a fabric in ambient airflow even if not part of a wind turbine.

When the potassium and nitrogen fertilizers produced as indicated aboveare applied to soil with plants, the carbonates are partially taken upby the plants and used to produce biomass. In a study done by Cheng etal and reported in the Sep. 18, 2007 “Energy Fuels” Journal, #21, Issue6, pp. 3334-3340, using ammonium bicarbonate, about 10% of the carbonatewas taken up by the plants. As much as 70% of the carbonate reacted withmaterials in the soil to produce stable compounds (such as calciumcarbonate) which sequester the carbon long term, while the relativelysmall remainder was released back to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.If the soil is particularly alkaline (e. g. containing significantamounts of calcium and magnesium), then the amount of carbonsequestration by the soil may be substantially maximized. Therefore, thefertilizer application could be accompanied, preceded, or followed bythe application of calcium and/or magnesium, or the like, to the soil.

If the air and surroundings at the wind turbine do not have sufficientmoisture (certainly where the relative humidity of the air isconsistently less than about 40%, or if the climate is particularlydry), then a mist may be sprayed into the path of the rotating vanes ofthe wind turbine containing the potassium and nitrogen compounds tofacilitate the chemical reactions. The mist is typically sprayed usingone or more stationary (with respect to vane rotation) nozzles, orcomparable structures, positioned adjacent the wind turbine vane path ofmovement, and spraying may be synchronized with the rotation of theturbine vanes, and interrupted if the wind speed and/or relativehumidity exceed a particular threshold, or if the wind speed is below aparticular value.

After a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide has been captured by thefabric (which may be sensed by a material which changes color in thepresence of carbonates, or determined empirically) of the wind turbinevanes, the fabric is removed. The fabric may be incorporated as is inthe soil; or the fabric may be shredded and applied as fertilizer as is,depending upon the type of fabric utilized. Alternatively, the fabricmay be burned to produce energy, and the remaining ash—containing thepotassium and/or nitrogen compounds—applied to the soil. The ash wouldhave a tendency to make the soil more alkaline, thus likely enhancingthe ultimate percentage of carbon sequestration.

While it is highly desirable to use potassium carbonate, potassiumbicarbonate, or ammonium bicarbonate according to the invention as afertilizer, instead they may be used for any other purpose that theycommonly are used for. For example, potassium carbonate is oftenconventionally used in the manufacture of glass, enamels, and soaps.Also, if desired, the starting materials can be regenerated, if this iseconomical. For example, potassium carbonate can be reacted with calciumhydroxide to produce KOH and calcium carbonate.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofremoving carbon dioxide from a substantially ambient atmosphere byplacing at least one material capable of reacting with carbon dioxide toproduce fertilizer in the path of movement of substantially ambient air.When practicing the method the material may comprise a potassium and/ornitrogen containing compound that will ultimately react with ambientcarbon dioxide, and the fertilizer produced may be potassium carbonate,potassium bicarbonate, and/or ammonium bicarbonate, and is ultimatelyput into contact with soil to fertilize plants.

In the practice of the method, the material capable of reacting withcarbon dioxide may be associated with a fabric, and the method maycomprise placing the fabric in the path of ambient air movement. Forexample, the method may further comprise placing the fabric and materialon a moving portion of a wind turbine; and wherein the wind turbineprovides mechanical force; and further comprising utilizing themechanical force to perform useful work (such as pumping water or otherliquid, generating electricity, compressing air or other gas, etc.).

The method may further comprise applying a mist containing water to thematerial at spaced time intervals if the humidity and/or relatedconditions are insufficient to provide acceptable reaction conditions,for example if the humidity of the ambient air is less than about40-50%. Mist application may be practiced using at least one nozzlestationarily, with respect to wind turbine rotation, positioned belowthe wind turbine and controlled by a controller.

Preferably the fabric is relatively easily biodegradable when in contactwith soil (e. g. it is a woven, knit, or nonwoven of natural fibers suchas cotton, flax, hemp, etc.), and the method further comprises, aftercarbon dioxide removal to produce fertilizer, putting the fabric intodirect contact with soil, or shredding the fabric and then putting thefabric into contact with soil. Alternatively the method may furthercomprise burning the fabric to produce useful energy and an ash, andapplying the resulting ash to soil.

The starting carbon dioxide removing material may be KOH or ammonia, andthe material produced as a result of carbon dioxide removal may bepotassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or ammonium bicarbonate. Inorder to enhance the sequestration of carbon dioxide, the method mayfurther comprise applying calcium and/or magnesium to the soil to whichthe fertilizer is applied.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided thecombination of: a vertical axis wind turbine having vanes with amaterial associated therewith capable of reacting with ambient carbondioxide when sufficient moisture is present; and apparatus which appliesa water mist to the material; and wherein the apparatus comprises atleast one nozzle controlled by a controller and mounted below theturbine vanes for directing a water mist so that it contacts thematerial on the vanes. In the combination, the at least one nozzle maycomprise a plurality of sets of nozzles, one set of nozzles for eachvane of the vertical axis wind turbine. The combination also preferablyfurther comprises an ambient humidity and/or moisture sensor operativelyconnected to the controller to control the at least one nozzle to applya mist should the ambient humidity and/or moisture drop below apredetermined level (e. g. below about 40-50%). A wind sensor is alsopreferably connected to the controller to retard or interrupt mistapplication if the wind speed is either higher or lower thanpredetermined thresholds (e. g. greater than 25 mph or less than 5 mph).

In the combination, the at least one nozzle may be movable and thecombination may further comprise an actuator controlled by thecontroller for moving the at least one nozzle to position it to directwater mist in varying directions.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof removing carbon dioxide from substantially ambient air by placing atleast one of a potassium containing compound and a nitrogen containingcompound, in a form capable of reacting with carbon dioxide to produce asecond potassium or nitrogen containing compound (e. g. potassiumcarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or ammonium bicarbonate), in the pathof movement of substantially ambient air; and then after carbon dioxideremoval from the substantially ambient air, regenerating at least one ofa potassium containing compound and a nitrogen containing compound fromthe second potassium or nitrogen containing compound. Preferably thematerial capable of reacting with carbon dioxide is associated with afabric, and the method further comprises placing the fabric and materialon a moving portion of a wind turbine; and wherein the wind turbineprovides mechanical force and the method further comprises utilizing themechanical force to perform useful work.

The VAWT is preferably mounted by a portable mounting system whichcomprises: a drive shaft; a substantially tubular central component; abearing mounting the drive shaft for rotation within the substantiallytubular central component; at least three support legs, at least one ofwhich is telescopic, extending at an angle from the central componentand each having a free end; a foot movably mounted adjacent the free endof each of at least two of the support legs; and a load operativelyconnected to the drive shaft (and which may be operatively connected toat least one of the support legs too). A quick connect/disconnectcoupling is provided between the rotor shaft and drive shaft. In orderto readily ship the mounting system, an attachment plate may be providedfor each leg operatively connected to the central component, and eachleg detached from the central component and attachable to an attachmentplate by a plurality of fasteners. The attachment plates may beextraneous structures, or may be part of a polygonal (e. g. triangular)shape of the central tubular component.

The VAWT may have particularly designed spokes, for ease of manufacture.According to this aspect there is provided a VAWT spoke curved along adimension of elongation having a slot substantially along the dimensionof elongation for receipt of a vane, the slot open at the free end ofthe spoke, and closed adjacent the hub of the spoke; and afastener-receiving opening adjacent the free end of the spoke, which iscapable of cooperating with a fastener to hold a vane in the slot.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a simple yeteffective way to remove carbon dioxide from the air while producinguseful materials from it, and preferably while also performing otheruseful work. (However, the mounting system and wind turbine of theinvention may also be used for other purposes). This and other objectsof the invention will become clear from an inspection of the detaileddescription of the invention, and from the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one form of a Savoniusvertical axis wind turbine rotor that can be utilized to practice theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a box diagram of an exemplary method according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a view like that of FIG. 1 showing a modified form of VAWTrotor, and in association with one exemplary embodiment of a mistapplying system according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is top schematic view of modified versions of the rotor and mistapplicator of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is schematic illustration of another form the mist applicator maytake;

FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic view of a mounting system for a windturbine utilized in the practice of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side schematic view, with the central component cut away, ofa modified form of the connection of a leg to the central component;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective exploded view of a triangularcross-section central component with a leg capable of attachment theretowith fasteners;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an alternative spoke configuration for athree bladed VAWT with the free end partly in cross section; and

FIG. 10 is a significantly enlarged top cross-sectional view of just thefree end of the spoke of FIG. 9 with a slightly different configuration,and showing a vane/blade fixed thereby.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one form of a Savoniusvertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) rotor 10 that can be utilized topractice the method of the invention, and comprise at least part of theapparatus of the invention. The rotor 10 may be generally like thoseillustrated in co-pending U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,346 or U.S. PatentApplication Publication 2006/0153682, but utilizing the particularmaterials of the rotor surfaces according to the invention. While aSavonius type rotor 10 is preferred other types of VAWTs not classicallyconsidered Savonius rotors—such as open helix turbines, and those inU.S. Pat. Nos. 2,677,344 and 4,359,311—may also be utilized. In fact anywind turbine having a relatively large vane surface area which allowscarbon dioxide removal as according to the invention may be employed,including horizontal axis wind machines (such as Dutch four-arm, orPortuguese sail, wind machines).

FIG. 1 illustrates a two vane rotor 10, but it is to be understood thatthe invention is also applicable to three vane, four vane, or otherVAWTs. The rotor vanes (sometimes called “blades”) 13 have removablecoverings 11 for the exterior (wind-spilling) surfaces 12 thereof. Theremovable coverings 11 are preferably some sort of fabric, includingwoven, nonwoven, knit, and mesh materials, which support a CO₂ removingmaterial. While many different types of yarns, threads, or fibers may beutilized for the coverings 11, preferably they are of organic or otherbiodegradable material, such as cotton, hemp, flax, ramie, sisal, wool,silk, kenaf, coconut, and/or jute.

The fabrics forming the coverings 11 have potassium and/or nitrogencontaining compounds associated therewith which are capable of reactingwith ambient carbon dioxide to remove it from the air and ultimatelyform a material capable of use as a fertilizer. Non-limiting examples ofpotassium and/or nitrogen containing compounds include potassiumsuperoxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, and ammonia. Theremovable coverings may be wash coated, impregnated, solution coated,irradiated, plasma treated, chemically acted upon, or otherwise treatedso that they have the desired potassium and/or nitrogen compound orcompounds associated therewith.

In one example, a woven cotton fabric is passed through an at least fivemolar solution of KOH, passed through conventional squeeze rolls, airdried, and the process repeated until a desired molarity of KOH (e. g.five moles) is provided associated with the fabric. Generally the higherthe molarity of the material associated with the fabric, the more carbondioxide it can remove before being saturated.

In another example, a non-woven fabric of kenaf and hemp fibers isdipped by hand (the wearer preferably wearing surgical gloves and apaint mask or respirator) in a solution of KOH and hung on a rack todrip dry over a trough, with the excess KOH collected and reused. Thedipping and drying procedures may be repeated as desired.

While the coverings 11 preferably are fabric, any material capable ofbeing impregnated, coated, or otherwise associated with potassium andnitrogen compounds capable of removing carbon dioxide from theatmosphere may be utilized.

The coverings 11 are preferably made readily detachable from the rotor10, such as by using cooperating hook and loop (e. g. VELCRO) fasteners15, 16 on the exterior surfaces 12 of the vanes 13, and the interiorsurfaces 17 of the coverings 11, respectively. For example the fasteners15 may be hook fasteners (e. g. of stainless steel or nylon), and thefasteners 16 loop fasteners (of any suitable conventional materialcompatible with the coverings 11 and potassium and/or nitrogen compoundsassociated therewith). The fasteners 15 may be attached by adhesive,welding, etc. to the surfaces 12, and the fasteners 16 attached bysewing, adhesive, or other conventional manner, to coverings 11.

While hook and loop fasteners 15, 16 are particularly desirable, othertypes of conventional or hereafter developed fastening systems mayalternatively, or in addition, be used. For example strips or blocks ofmagnetic fasteners (shown schematically in dotted line at 18 in FIG. 1),snaps, or the like may be used. Or a removable adhesive may be appliedto one or both of the coverings 11 and the surfaces 12 which is strongenough to hold the coverings 11 in place during operation, but may berelatively easily removed when desired. The coverings may also at leastpartially wrap around at least some of the spokes (also known as ribs)20 supporting the vanes 13 (as in FIGS. 35, 36 and 46 of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/443,954 filed May 23, 2003). Alternatively,especially where the spokes of FIGS. 9 & 10 are utilized having aportion sticking out from the exterior of the vanes 13, conventionalbinder clips (such as shown in any Figure of U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,741)may be utilized to hold the coverings 11 on the spokes 20.

The spokes 20 and vanes 13 may be of any suitable material that does notadversely affect, or is not adversely affected by, the chemicals of thecoverings 11. For example the vanes 13 may be of polycarbonate, and thespokes 20 (or 105 in FIGS. 9 & 10) of steel. The spokes 20 may bealuminum, but since aluminum will adversely react with potassiumhydroxide, if KOH is used, conventional polyester film self-adhesivetape strips, a plastic coating, or a coating of another suitablematerial (as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,531), may be adhesively attached to,or brushed on and allowed to dry, on those portions of the spokes 20 (orany other aluminum component) that will come into contact with the KOH.

The coverings 11 are shown in FIG. 1 as applied to the exterior(wind-spilling rather than wind-driven) surfaces 12 of the rotor 10since often those surfaces usually are not as harshly acted upon by thewind as the rotor 10 is rotated about a substantially vertical axisdefined by central shaft/mast 19, yet plenty of wind will still come incontact therewith. However if desired, the CO₂-reacting material may beprovided alternatively, or in addition, on the wind-driven surfaces 22of the vanes 13. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, panels—shown indotted line at 23—may be applied to surfaces 22 between ribs 20, e. g.using fasteners or readily removable adhesive. The panels 23, like thecoverings 11, have a potassium and/or nitrogen compound associatedtherewith capable of reacting with CO₂ to produce a fertilizer.Alternatively coverings substantially identical to the coverings 11 maybe applied to the surfaces 22 and held in place by conventional binderclips clamping the coverings to the ribs 20.

The shaft 19 is mounted in one or more conventional bearings 25, and thewind turbine rotor 10 provides mechanical force when driven by the wind.A conventional mechanism and/or procedure are provided for utilizingthat mechanical force to perform useful work. For example the shaft 19is operatively connected to a generator (e. g. to run a dc or acappliance, or to charge a battery), pump, propeller, or compressor 26,or any other type of force utilizing mechanism.

It has been found that when chemical containing fabric like thecoverings 11 is mounted for movement on a wind turbine that the reactionwith CO₂ is facilitated. Also, since the reaction may be facilitatedeven more if both sides of a covering 11 are exposed to substantiallyambient air containing CO₂, the vanes of the wind turbine may consistessentially of the coverings 11; or the vanes 13 may be perforated (asseen in FIG. 10). Normally the last thing one would do is perforate avane of a wind turbine since that might adversely affect its efficiency,but in view of the multi-functional nature of the wind turbinesaccording to the invention, that may be desirable.

In order to facilitate changing of the coverings 11, panels 23, etc.,once they have substantially completely reacted with CO₂, a conventionalbrake 27 may be used to prevent rotation of the rotor 10 during covering11 replacement. Any conventional brake 27 may be utilized, such as aDexter trailer disc brake K71-651-00.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary method according to theinvention. In the first procedure, illustrated at 31, one piece offabric is impregnated or otherwise associated with potassium hydroxide,potassium superoxide, and/or potassium carbonate, and another piece offabric is impregnated with ammonia; or the same piece of fabric may beimpregnated with both NH₃ and KOH (or other suitable nitrogen andpotassium-containing compounds). The fabrics form coverings 11 which arethen attached—schematically illustrated at 32—to vanes 13 of a VAWT,such as the two vane Savonius rotor 10 of FIG. 1, as by hook and loopfasteners 15, 16, binder clips, etc.

Where necessary, as indicated at 33, water mist is sprayed (preferablyperiodically or intermittently, but under sometimes substantiallycontinuously) in the path of movement of the vanes 13 so that the fabricpasses through the mist and stays reasonably hydrated. This maintainsconditions reasonably optimized for the desired chemical reactions(understanding that it is not possible to fully control theenvironment).

After the fabrics have been exposed to the atmosphere for a sufficientperiod of time, the reactive original materials therein have beenchanged to carbonates, such as potassium carbonate, potassiumbicarbonate, and/or ammonium bicarbonate. The carbonates can beeffective fertilizers. The fabrics are ultimately removed from the vanes13 of the wind turbine rotor 10, as indicated at 34 in FIG. 2. Fromthere, the fabrics may be applied directly to the soil (especially ifthe fibers of the fabric are easily biodegradable) as by being buried,or used basically as a geotextile fabric, as schematically indicated at35. Alternatively, the fabric may be shredded—as indicated at 36—usingconventional shredding equipment (such as simple spiked or knife rollersas in U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,168, or in a conventional wood chipper), andthen applied to soil.

As yet another alternative, the fabric may be burned in a conventionalcombustion chamber 37 while producing process heat, electricity, orother energy (as indicated at 38), and the resulting ash 39 used asfertilizer. This last procedure is less desirable if the majority of apiece of fabric comprises potassium bicarbonate since carbon dioxidewould be liberated before the combustion temperature for the fabric wasreached. In any event, carbon dioxide may be captured—as illustrated at40 in FIG. 2—from the energy producing stage 38 and otherwisesequestered or used in industry.

In any of the cases 35, 36, 39, preferably one or more pieces of fabrichaving both ammonium bicarbonate and either or both of potassiumcarbonate and potassium bicarbonate are handled together, producing theultimate fertilizer applied in 35, 36 or 39. That way two of the threemajor nutrients for most plants (nitrogen and potassium) are provided.The K and N of the fertilizer are turned into ions in the soil, andtaken up by plants. Many plants will also take up about 10% of thecarbon in the carbonates, and up to about 70% of the rest of the carbonin the carbonates—depending upon soil conditions like pH and thepredominance of calcium and magnesium—will form very stable carbonatesthat remain in the soil essentially forever, sequestering the majorityof the carbon in the carbon dioxide that was removed from theatmosphere.

For example where a two vane Savonius is the VAWT (see the rotor 10 inFIG. 1 for example), the covering 11 on one vane 13 will be fabrichaving KOH associated therewith. The covering 11 on the other vane 13will be fabric having NH₃ associated therewith. For example in bothcases the fabric may be a cotton mesh. Thus when the coverings 11 areremoved at 38 they can be processed together, and one will supplypotassium to the soil, and the other nitrogen.

If desired plant micronutrients, such as copper, iron, and manganese,can be added to a chemical bath at 31 used to impregnate the fabric.When the fabric is then placed in soil these micronutrients will beavailable to plants.

As an alternative to the procedures 35, 36, 39, the starting materialscan be regenerated. For example, potassium carbonate may be reacted withcalcium hydroxide—as indicated at 41—to produce KOH and calciumcarbonate. The potassium hydroxide is then used to impregnate otherfabric, and the calcium carbonate may be employed for one of itsconventional uses. Alternatively, the calcium carbonate may be used toregenerate calcium hydroxide, but this releases carbon dioxide, whichthen must be sequestered in another manner (so that it is not releasedinto the atmosphere), or used in industry.

FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of another exemplary VAWT 10according to the invention, this one with a misting system, showngenerally at 45. [Structures in FIGS. 3 & 4 comparable to those in FIG.1 have the same reference numerals]. The misting system 45 includes asource of water (which may include other materials besides pure water tofacilitate CO₂ removal, or plant micronutrients) 46 and a pump 47. Thepump 47 may be driven directly by the shaft 19 of the VAWT 10, asindicated by line 48 in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the pump 47 may be anelectrical pump and may be driven by a generator 26 (in turn powered bythe VAWT shaft 19), as indicated by line 49; or the pump 47 may bepowered by batteries, or a connection to the grid, or in any otherconventional manner.

Mist application is practiced by one or more nozzles 50 operativelyconnected to the pump 47 and preferably controlled by a conventionalelectronic controller 51. The nozzles 50 may be of any desirableconventional construction. The controller 51 may control the pump 47,the nozzles 50, or both. Control may be effected to periodically,intermittently, substantially continuously, or in any other manner,control the supply of water as mist (shown schematically at M in FIG. 3)from the nozzles 50 so as to wet the removable coverings 11 having theCO₂ reacting chemicals associated therewith. The nozzles 50 arepreferably stationarily mounted to a frame, shown schematically at 52 inFIG. 3, in turn mounted to the ground. The frame 52 may contain abearing (like 25 in FIG. 1) facilitating rotation of the shaft 19, ormay be completely independent of the shaft 19. The nozzles 50 aresufficient in number, position, and orientation, so that the vastmajority of the coverings 11 have mist M applied to them as they rotateinto contact with the mist M sprayed generally upwardly by the nozzles50.

While for simplicity it is desirable to position the nozzles 50 so thatthey are stationary and mounted close to the ground, if a particularlylarge turbine is utilized, or under other conditions, it may bedesirable to provide misting nozzles at the top of the turbine, and/oreven at intermediate points. Under some circumstances, where labor ischeap and/or ambient conditions normally supply sufficient moisture,misting may be accomplished manually when necessary, such as by using amisting nozzle on a hose connected to a movable pressurized water tank.

One way that the controller 51 may operate is to operate the pump 47and/or control the nozzles 50 only under certain conditions, asdetermined by one or more sensors. For example, a conventional sensor 54may be provided to sense moisture in the atmosphere (e. g. humidity, oractual rain), and/or sense wind speed. For example if the sensor 54senses a threshold of relative humidity has been exceeded (e. g.40-85%), or a threshold wind speed has been exceeded (e. g. 25 mph), thecontroller 51 will turn off the pump 47 and/or nozzles 50 so that nomist M is generated. Or if wind speed is too low (e. g. less than 5 mph)the controller 51 will retard or interrupt mist application.

Alternatively, or in addition, another sensor 55 may be provided tocontrol the timing of misting relative to the position of the coverings11. For example a magnet 56 mounted on the bottom of one of the vanes 13of the VAWT 11 is sensed by sensor 55 which then tells the control 51when to activate mist application. The position of the sensor 55 withrespect to the coverings 11 is known and the rpm of the VAWT can also bedetermined in a conventional manner, thereby controlling the nozzles 50to apply mist M exactly at the right time for the coverings 11 to bemoistened. Alternatively or in addition, the wind speed data sensed bysensor 54 may be integrated with the position sensor 55 data todetermine optimum activation of the misting nozzles 50.

Other control elements, such as timers, etc., may also or alternativelybe utilized so that misting only occurs at particular times orintervals. Also other or additional mechanisms may be provided forsupplying a mist, such as disclosed in FIGS. 11 and 17 of U.S. Pat. No.7,098,552.

The FIG. 3 embodiment also shows some other modifications of theinvention. For example, the left hand “covering 11” is in actuality nota covering for a vane 13, but is a covering for the vane ribs 20 (asshown in the one cutout at the top) and thus actually provides the winddriving surface of the rotor 10. This covering 11 may be attached to theribs 20 in any suitable manner, as by wire ties, binder clips or similarclamping devices, adhesive, or other conventional mechanisms.

FIG. 3, on the right side, also shows chemical 59 (e. g. KOH or NH₃)applied directly to the interior surface 22 of the vane 13, as with anadhesive which subsequently can be removed. A water or other spray canbe used to remove the chemical 59 once it has substantially fullyreacted with ambient carbon dioxide, and then the water from the sprayis collected using a pan or the like at the bottom, and then applied tosoil, the water having potassium and/or nitrogen fertilizer therewith.

The FIG. 3 embodiment shows only one set of nozzles 50, and a two bladedSavonius VAWT 10. However as indicated above a wide variety of othertypes of VAWTs (indeed other types of wind machines in general) may beutilized, and a plurality of sets of nozzles 50 may also be utilized.For example, FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a three vane Savoniusrotor 10 in association with three sets of nozzles 50. All sets ofnozzles 50 may be controlled by the same controller 51 and supplied withwater by the same pump 47 and water source 46, or different pumps 47 maybe utilized for the different sets of nozzles 50 (although desirably asingle controller 51 is utilized).

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an alternative misting system that may beused in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and/or 4. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, asingle misting nozzle 60 is utilized. Nozzle 60 is mounted for movementpivotal movement in the embodiment illustrated as indicated by arrows61—to change the direction of the mist M emanating therefrom. Anactuator 62 (a conventional linear actuator is illustrated) pivots thenozzle 60 as indicated by arrows 61 to control the direction of the mistM under the control of the controller 51. The water for misting issupplied by a conventional pressurized tank 63, which is recharged whennecessary by a pump (not shown). The controller 51 controls the tank 63to not only determine when water for misting is supplied from the tank63 to the nozzle 60, but also to determine the pressure of the suppliedwater. In that way not only will the direction of the mist M from thenozzle 60 be controlled but so will how far the mist M travels and/orthe amount of mist M.

While pivotal movement of nozzle 60, and a linear actuator 62, areillustrated in FIG. 5, it is to be understood that any type of movement,and any type of conventional actuator, may be utilized which achieve thedesired end result of substantially optimizing the moisture conditionsof the coverings 11 to substantially optimize the amount and/or rate ofCO₂ removal from moving ambient air. Normally the ambient air shouldhave at least about a 40-50% relative humidity in order to providesufficient moisture for the desired reactions changing potassiumsuperoxide or potassium hydroxide to potassium carbonate and/orpotassium bicarbonate, and ammonia to ammonium bicarbonate.

While the invention is most desirable where the potassium and/ornitrogen compounds are provided on a wind turbine rotor, they may be ingeneral placed in any suitable position in ambient airflow (such as in aprevailing wind off a lake or mountain), using any suitable structure(such as a frame, rings, existing structure, etc.).

FIGS. 6-8 show versions of a desirable mounting system 67 for a turbine10 according to the invention. The mounting system 67 is relatively easyto manufacture, use and transport, is versatile, and facilitatesinstallation and removal of coverings 11.

In FIG. 6, the rotor 10 includes a substantially vertical (in operation)mast/shaft 19 similar to the shaft 19 in FIG. 1, operatively connectedto the vanes 13. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, themast 19 is hollow and fits over a substantially vertical (in operation)driven shaft 14 of a mounting system 67 according to the invention. Theshafts 14, 19 are preferably of very corrosion resistant material, suchas aluminum, stainless steel, or carbon fiber. The shaft 14 must be madeof a particularly strong material (such as 7075 aluminum alloy). Whileany suitable substantially permanent or removable operative connectionmay be provided between the shafts 14, 19, in the preferred embodimentthe shafts 14, 19 are operatively connected by a quickconnect/disconnect pin coupling 65, such as McMaster Carr Part No.98480A013, which can pass through cooperating aligned openings (notshown) in the shafts 14, 19. However any suitable conventional quickconnect/disconnect may be utilized.

While the invention is not limited by dimensions, one particulardesirable unit according to the invention is provided when the rotor isabout 2.4-2.5 meters high and slightly less than one meter in diameter.This allows easy access to the coverings either using a ladder, ortilting the entire turbine 10 so that it is substantially horizontal.

The mounting system 67 further comprises a substantially tubular centralcomponent 68 which is substantially concentric with the shaft 21.Conventional bearings—not shown in FIG. 6 but illustrated schematicallyat 25 in FIGS. 7 & 8—such as double sealed bearings, are providedbetween the inner surface of central component 68 and driven shaft 14 toprovide for rotation of the shaft 14 and rotor 10 about a substantiallyvertical (in operation) axis defined by the central component 68.

The central component 68 is supported in a very versatile manner,allowing the rotor 10 with coverings 11 to be easily, yet securely andeffectively placed almost anywhere. At least three (and preferably onlythree) support legs 69 are provided operatively connected to the centralcomponent 68 and extending downwardly therefrom at an angle α withrespect to the horizontal. The angle α is preferably about 35-55 degrees(e. g. about 45 degrees).

At least one, and preferably all, of the support legs 69 is/aretelescopic. In the embodiment illustrated the legs 69 each have asubstantially hollow main portion 70 operatively connected (e. g.welded, connected by bolts, adhesively connected, etc.) to the centralcomponent 68, and a telescoping portion 71 which slides in and out ofmain portion 70 to adjust how far the remote end 76 of the telescopingportion 71 is from the central component 68. While the hollow interiorof the main portion 70 and the exterior of the telescoping portion 71may be circular in cross-section, it is preferred that they arepolygonal in cross section (e. g. square, as shown in the drawings).While the portion 71 may be substantially solid, it is preferred thatportion 71 is also substantially tubular.

Each main portion 70 preferably has at least one (e. g. a single)opening 72 which can be aligned with any one of the plurality ofopenings 73 in the telescoping portion 71. Preferably a quickconnect/disconnect coupling is provided between the portions 70, 71allowing the relative positions thereof to be adjusted, such as thecoupling pin 65′, which is substantially identical to the coupling pin65 except for dimensions.

While it is preferred that there be a plurality of discrete adjustmentpositions defined by openings 73, and a quick connect/disconnectcoupling 65′ be utilized, instead the components 70, 71 can be threadedtogether to provide substantially infinite adjustment (over the threadedlength) with one or more set screws or other conventional lockingmechanisms provided to hold the components 70, 71 in place in theposition to which they have been adjusted. A wide variety of otherarrangements can alternatively be provided to provide for individualadjustment of the effective length of each of the legs 69 so that thesystem 67 can be mounted on almost any terrain.

Where necessary to properly support the legs 69, the support elements 75are provided extending between the leg main portions 70 and the centralcomponent 68. The support elements 75 may be—as illustrated in FIG.6—cross bars, or may be gussets or other conventional components, andmay be welded, bolted, or otherwise attached to the components 68, 69.Preferably all of the components 68, 70, 75 are made of strong,corrosion-resistant, compatible materials, such as all made of anodizedaluminum. In fact it is desirable that all components of the system 67be made of strong corrosion resistant materials, such as anodizedaluminum, stainless steel, and/or carbon fiber.

Also to facilitate positioning on almost any terrain, mounting feet 77are provided at the remote ends 76 of the leg telescoping portions 71.The feet 77 are movably mounted with respect to ends 76 so that they mayadjust to the terrain to which they are ultimately connected. Forexample ball and socket joints can be provided between feet 77 and ends76 to allow substantially 360° relative movement. Alternatively—asillustrated in FIG. 6—each foot 77 is mounted for pivotal movement withrespect to an end 76 about a substantially horizontal (in use) axis.This is accomplished by providing two spaced vertical ears 78 on each ofthe feet 77 which can receive the free end 76 of a leg portion 71therebetween, and a substantially horizontal pivot pin 79 extendingthrough the portion 71 and ears 78 to allow relative pivotal movementtherebetween about a generally horizontal axis. The feet 77, ears 78,and pins 79 are preferably made of corrosion resistant materialcompatible with the leg portions 71, such as aluminum.

The feet 77 facilitate secure anchoring of the system 67. Preferably thefeet 77 each have two or more openings 80 therein which receivemechanical elements which positively anchor the system 67 at aparticular terrain location. A substantially vertical conventional bolt(which would typically be encased in concrete on a terrain surface), notshown, may extend through each of the openings 80, and a suitableconventional nut threaded over the bolt into contact with the foot 77(as through a washer) to securely anchor the foot 77—and thus the system67—to the terrain in which the is mounted.

Another anchoring alternative is steel (or other strong material) spikes(not shown). A spike is positioned in each hole 80 and then driven intothe ground, so that the head of the spike abuts the foot 77 and holds ittightly to the ground. The spikes would typically be about ⅓ meter inlength. Spikes pounded through each of the openings 80 in all of thefeet 77 would securely hold the system 67 in place even in relativelysoft terrain, and even when the rotor 10 was subjected to high winds.

Because high winds could tear the rotor 10 or system 67 apart if therotor were left to “free-wheel”, it is important to provide a load toretard rotation of the rotor 10 during high winds. Preferably theload—shown schematically at 81 in FIG. 6—allows desirable rotation ofthe rotor 10 during normal wind conditions, but prevents or minimizesthe possibility of damage to other system components.

As shown in the FIG. 6 embodiment, the load 81 may be mounted to thebottom (in use) end of the driven shaft 14, and may also be mounted tothe system 67 by the flange 82. The flange 82 is affixed to a part ofthe system 67, such as being welded or bolted to one or more of the legportions 70, and/or cross supports 75.

If the load 81 is a generator it is connected by conventional wiring orthe like to an electrical load. The generator may be a direct drive d.c. generator, although an a. c. generator (alternator), or a gearedgenerator, may be used. One of many examples of a generator is a ShimanoNexus Dynamo HBNX50A33 (available from SJS Cycles).

The electrical load may comprise or consist essentially of one or morelights—shown schematically at 83 in FIG. 6. The lights 83 may bedirected toward the coverings 11 (which may have a message thereon—seethe word “Vote” in FIG. 6). While a wide variety of differentconventional, or hereinafter developed, structures may be utilized, thelights 83 are preferably operated by d. c. current and may be halogen,incandescent, LED, or fluorescent lights, or combinations thereof, in aweather-resistant casing; e. g. a Basta Pilot Halogen Dynamo Headlamp,available from SJS Cycles.

If the load 81 is a generator, although it may be directly connected tolights 83 or another such load (such as a pump or fan), desirably load81 is connected by wires 84, as seen in FIG. 6, to one or more batteries85 to charge them. A photosensor, or other type of switching mechanism,may be provided for automatically connecting the batteries 85 to lights83, or another electrical device, under certain conditions.

The load 81 need not be a generator, but may be a pump, propeller,compressor, or the like. The load 81 slows down the rotation of therotor 10 during high wind conditions to prevent or minimize theprobability of damage. In addition to a load 81, rotation of the shaft14 may also be retarded by another structure that generally increasesresistance to rotation of the rotor 10 as wind speed increases. Forexample an additional structure could be a centrifugal brake system suchas shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,355,540 or 5,295,562; or a friction disc,such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,577; or a speed and torque limiterindirect drive such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,035; or a magneticbraking system such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,579,003, 5,234,083,7,264,576, or 7,273,135.

The central component 68 as shown in FIG. 6 is circular incross-section, but may be polygonal. In the FIG. 7 embodiment componentscomparable to those in the FIG. 6 embodiment are shown by the samereference numeral. In FIG. 7, desirably substantially flat or slightlycurved attachment plates 89—having a width larger than the diameter orwidth of the central component 68 (and vertically offset if necessary soas not to interfere with each other)—are welded (see welds 88 in FIG. 7)or otherwise securely attached to the central component 68. The drivenshaft 14 is mounted by bearings (e. g. 25) within the central component68 and extends upwardly therefrom, to be pinned (through opening 14′) bya quick release fastener 65 to the wind turbine mast 19.

The legs 69 have cooperating substantially flat or slightly curvedfastening plates 91 integral therewith (e. g. welded thereto). Fasteningplates 91 cooperate with the attachment plates 89. Aligning orinterlocking surface manifestations—such as the groove 92 and projection93—may be provided on the plates 89, 91 to initially and quicklyproperly position them with respect to each other. Then fasteners 94hold the plates 89, 91 together. The fasteners 94 may be screws that gothrough tapped openings in the plates 89, 91 (or at least in the plate89), or—as shown in FIG. 7—may be bolts held in place by nuts 95.Rivets, lockbolts of a HUCK® fastening system, or conventional quickrelease fasteners, may alternatively be provided as fasteners 94, 95.

The provision of the plates 89, 91 and fasteners 94-95 allows themounting system/unit 67 to be shipped in a low volume configurationwhere the legs 69 are detached from the central component 68, yet thesystem/unit 67 can be easily and securely assembled at the use locationby unskilled labor. The fasteners may be tack welded in place afterassembly, if desired. Also, where more support is needed, cross-supports96, generally like the cross-supports 75, may be welded or otherwiseattached to the legs 69 and have a plate 97 at the end thereof whichsimply abuts the central component 68, or is fixed by conventionalfasteners (not shown) to a cooperating plate 97′ much like the plates89, 91 are connected together.

The entire VAWT components of the invention can be shipped disassembled,in a low volume configuration (including the blade/vane material in aroll), and then assembled on site by unskilled labor. Only the centralcomponent 68 would desirably be completely assembled prior to shipping.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates another embodiment of components of amounting system according to the invention (components comparable tothose in the FIGS. 6 & 7 embodiments are shown by the same two digitreference numeral only preceded by a “1”, except that the bearing 25 issubstantially identical so it retains its original reference numeral).Non-corresponding structures have new reference numerals.

In the FIG. 8 embodiment the central component 168 is polygonal,preferably triangular, in cross section. Triangular aluminum tubes areavailable commercially, including from Precision Tube Company of NorthWales, Pa., USA. Each of the faces 98 of the central component 168 has aplurality of tapped openings 99 therein for receipt of fasteners 194.The fasteners 194 pass through openings 100 in the plates 191 of thelegs 169 and are screw threaded into the openings 99 to hold the legs169 in place on the central component 168. If necessary, cross-supports196 may be provided with plates 197 at the free ends thereof, and withfasteners passing through openings 102 in the plates 197 into tappedopenings 101 in the central component 168. The openings 99, 101 areformed so that they, and the fasteners that cooperate with them, do notinterfere with the bearings 25 or the driven shaft 14 within the centralcomponent 168.

In the FIG. 8 embodiment, instead of cross-supports 196 as illustrated,a gusset could extend down from the plate 191 abutting the face 98, witha pair of ears and cooperating holes at the tapped openings 101 toreceive screws passing into the openings.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a spoke for a three bladed VAWT that undersome circumstances can have advantages (such as ease of assembly) overthe construction illustrated in US Publication 2006/0153682. In FIG. 9,the spoke free end is partly in cross-section to show a tapped hole andscrew; the two bladed version (as in 2006/0153682) would likely have aslightly different shape. FIG. 10 is a significantly enlarged topcross-sectional view of just the free end of a spoke like that in FIG. 9with a slightly different configuration, and showing part of thevane/blade fixed thereby.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, according to this aspect of the invention atleast some of the spokes 105 of a VAWT are provided with a slot 106extending along the dimension of elongation 107 of a spoke 105 and openat the free end 108 thereof (while closed at the end 109 thereofadjacent the hub 110). As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,346 orPublication 2006/0153682, the spoke 105 is curved as it progresses inthe dimension of elongation 107, presenting concave and convex surfaces(and of the attached vane/blade 118; see FIG. 10) when the turbine isassembled. The slot 106 has a thickness slightly greater than that ofthe vane (118).

The spokes 105 may be water jet, or otherwise, cut from aluminum sheet(such as 6061 aluminum), or cut from steel, titanium, or any othersuitable material. The polycarbonate, aluminum, or like material blade118 associated with the spoke 105 passes through the slot 106 (bymanually inserting the blade 118 into the slot 106 and related slots oncooperating spokes), and once the turbine is assembled, a screw 111adjacent the open free end 108 holds the vane/blade 118 in place. Theportion 121 (FIG. 10) of the spoke 105 outside of the slot 106 typicallyextends out from the vane/blade no more than 0.5-3 cms., so as not tosignificantly interfere with a covering placed thereover, as disclosedin FIG. 1. The spoke 105 itself is usually thin, e. g. 0.5-2 cms. inthickness.

Each screw or other fastener 111 passes through a first opening 112which may or may not be internally threaded, and then through apre-formed, or formed by a self-tapping screw 111, opening 114 in theblade 118 (see FIG. 10). The fastener 111 then passes into or through asecond opening 113 or 113′ on the opposite side of the slot 106 as theopening 112. In FIG. 9 the opening 113 is shown as tapped (internallyscrew-threaded) and receives a screw 111. In FIG. 10 the opening 113′extends through the spoke 105 and the fastener is a bolt 115, held inplace by a nut 116. Alternatively a rivet, a lockbolt pin of a HUCK®fastening system, or a conventional quick release fastener such as thefastener 65, may be utilized instead of bolt 115 and nut 116.

More fasteners 111 can be placed along the length of the spoke 105 tohold the vane/blade 118 to the spoke 105, but typically are unnecessary.A single fastener 111 or 115 for each spoke 105 is normally sufficient.

The vanes 118 may be perforated, as indicated schematically at 119 inFIG. 10, so that wind impacts both sides of a covering (11 in FIG. 1)over the vanes.

Manually positioning the blade 118 in the slots 106 of a set of spokes105, and fastening a single fastener 111, 115 for each spoke 105, takesroughly half the time of assembling the spoke and blade system of thepatent and published application, yet is substantially as secure, oreven more secure. The manner of fixing the spokes 105 to other spokesfor one or more other vanes, and to a central shaft, of a VAWT are thesame as in the patent and published application. If desired the endconfiguration as shown in FIG. 11 of the published application, or asimilar configuration, may be utilized.

Where the spokes 105 are aluminum and a covering (11 in FIG. 1) is to beapplied thereto including KOH (which degrades aluminum), those portions121 of spokes 105 exterior of the vanes 118 should be treated to protectthe aluminum surface. FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a conventionalpolyester film self-adhesive tape strip 122 manually applied to thespoke portion 121 to protect it. FIG. 10 also schematically illustratesa conventional binder clip 124 (see FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,741)having an end 125 which can be opened by moving the free ends of levers126 toward each other to clamp a covering 11 (FIG. 1) onto a spokeportion 121. As many binder clips 124, or like clamping elements, asnecessary are used to hold the covering in place. The levers 126 can beremoved after attachment, and re-attached when the covering is to beremoved.

The invention is to be accorded the broadest interpretation of theappended claims so as to encompass all equivalents, and to specificallyencompass all specific ranges within a broad range, and is to be limitedonly by the prior art.

What is claimed:
 1. A mounting unit for a vertical axis wind turbine,the mounting unit comprising: a central component with bearings and adriven shaft; at least three supporting legs; and an attachment plateconnected to each leg and a separate central component attachment plateassociated with each leg; wherein each leg attachment plate isdetachable from its cooperating central component attachment plate andattachable thereto by a plurality of fasteners; said supporting legsproviding the sole support for said central component.
 2. A structure asrecited in claim 1 further comprising a cross support extending betweeneach leg and said central component below its respective attachmentplate when said leg attachment plate is attached to the centralcomponent attachment plate.
 3. A structure comprising: a vertical axiswind turbine rotor having an exterior surface and a shaft; a mountingsystem comprising: a drive shaft; a substantially tubular centralcomponent; a bearing mounting said drive shaft for rotation within saidsubstantially tubular central component; at least three support legs, atleast one of which is telescopic, rigidly connected to and extending anangle from said central component, and each having a free end; a footmovably mounted adjacent the free end of at least one of said supportlegs for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis; a coupling betweensaid rotor shaft and said drive shaft; said feet having at least twoopenings for receipt of anchoring devices, and said support legsproviding the sole support for said central component.
 4. A structure asrecited in claim 3 wherein said rotor is a two or three vane Savoniusrotor; and wherein all the support legs are telescoping and have asubstantially polygonal cross-section; and wherein each telescoping legincludes a substantially tubular main portion and an adjustabletelescoping portion, with a quick connect/disconnect couplingtherebetween; and further comprising a cross support between each legand said central component; and wherein each of said feet is mounted forpivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis with respect to afree end of a leg.
 5. A structure as recited in claim 3 wherein thereare exactly three support legs and all three are telescopic, each havinga substantially tubular main portion and an adjustable telescopingportion.
 6. A structure as recited in claim 5 wherein the support legsare polygonal in cross-section.
 7. A structure as recited in claim 5wherein each of said feet is mounted for pivotal movement about agenerally horizontal axis with respect to a free end of a leg.
 8. Astructure as recited in claim 7 wherein said coupling comprises a quickconnect/disconnect coupling between said rotor shaft and said driveshaft.
 9. A structure as recited in claim 5 further comprising a quickconnect/disconnect coupling between each telescoping leg substantiallytubular main portion and adjustable telescoping portion.
 10. A structureas recited in claim 3 wherein the support legs are polygonal incross-section.
 11. A structure as recited in claim 3 wherein each ofsaid feet is mounted for pivotal movement about a generally horizontalaxis with respect to a free end of a leg.
 12. A structure as recited inclaim 3 wherein said coupling comprises a quick connect/disconnectcoupling between said rotor shaft and said drive shaft.
 13. A structureas recited in claim 3 wherein the anchoring devices comprise spikes. 14.A structure as recited in claim 3 wherein said rotor is a two or threevane Savonius rotor.
 15. A structure as recited in claim 3 furthercomprising a leg attachment plate for each leg operatively connectableto a cooperating central component attachment plate, with each legattachment plate detachable from its cooperating central componentattachment plate and attachable thereto by a plurality of fasteners. 16.A structure as recited in claim 15 further comprising a cross supportextending between each leg and said central component below itsrespective attachment plate when said leg attachment plate is attachedto it cooperating central component attachment plate.
 17. A structure asrecited in claim 15 wherein said central component is triangular incross-section, having three exterior faces; and wherein exactly threelegs are provided, one operatively connected to each exterior face ofsaid central component.
 18. A structure as recited in claim 15 whereinsaid central component is circular in cross-section and wherein said legand central component attachment plates are all slightly curved with aradius of curvature greater than that of said circular cross-sectioncentral component.
 19. A structure comprising: a vertical axis windturbine rotor having an exterior surface and a shaft; a mounting systemcomprising: a drive shaft; a substantially triangular in cross-sectionhollow central component having three substantially flat exterior faces;a bearing mounting said drive shaft for rotation within saidsubstantially central component; exactly three telescopic support legs,extending an angle from said central component, and each having firstand second ends; an attachment plate connected to said first end of eachof said support legs; a plurality of removable fasteners rigidlyconnecting each of said attachment plates to an exterior face of saidtriangular cross-section central component; and a foot pivotally mountedto the second end of each of said support legs.
 20. A structure asrecited in claim 19 further comprising a cross support extending betweeneach leg and said central component below its respective attachmentplate when said leg attachment plate is attached to said centralcomponent.